During the night of October 11th-12th the 4th Canadian Infantry Brigade was relieved by a Brigade of the 51st Division, the 6th Gorodons relieved the 21st Canadian Battalion. Relief was complete at 0245 hours and the Battalion proceeded to billets is Escadoevres, with Headquarters at T.25.a.10.25. Our casualties during the advance of the day were Officers, killed, 3, died of wounds, 1, wounded, 6, wounded at duty, 2 gassed, 1, Other Ranks, killed, 39, wounded, 272, Missing 2. “J” Battery, 2nd Canadian Machine Gun Battalion was withdrawn on October 9th but was replaced by “L” Battery which co-operated in the advance on October 11th. The Guns of this Battery were very effective during the operation, in support of our companies, and co-operating with our Lewis Gunners against the enemy’s tanks. Lieut. H.M. Patterison, who was seriously wounded on the 11th, Died later of wounds at a casualty clearing station. The deceased first joined the Battalion on October 6th, 1917, but was lately evacuated to England through illness. He rejoined the Battalion in September of this year and again took over his platoon in “A” Company. The deceased Subaltern’s work was more praise worthy and to his parents, the deepest feelings of those who have served with him in the Battalion are extended at this time. At 1630 hours on October 12th the 21st Canadian Battalion received orders to move to the Eswars area. Lieut.M.B.Button and billetting party proceeded ahead, and, with the Commanding Officer, arranged for billetting of the Battalion in the Village and south-western outskirts. Battalion Headquarters was establish at T.7.B.05.90. The move was complete by 1915 hours. “A” and “B” Echelons, Transport and Rear Details rejoined the Battalion en route.
Image: Busy scene at an advanced dressing station during attack on Cambrai. Advance East of Arras. October, 1918, Courtesy of Library and Archives Canada.